Round 86

Prev | TOC | Next

Hiss–!

In the laboratory, where experiments were in full swing, the group that had come down from the meeting room looked around casually.

“You’re free to look around here as the more detailed processes are being carried out in the inner part, away from the public eye,” said Guild Leader Han Seok-jun.

Director Choi thought of the strawberry he had just seen. He had initially thought Kyu-seong’s remark was a joke, but here they were actually researching potion-making using strawberries.

“Just to confirm… these aren’t ordinary strawberries, are they?”

“That’s correct.”

“Is this related to the recent rumors about buff-type foods?”

Director Choi felt embarrassed for asking such a question. In fact, Ara Hongryeon wasn’t obligated to answer, and it might even be considered rude.

Reading Director Choi’s expression, Han Seok-jun smiled. “That’s correct as well.”

“I see.”

The puzzle pieces were gradually coming together. Initially, potion-making was important, but the raw materials were crucial, accounting for almost ninety percent of the process. It was clear that Ara Hongryeon had either found a place to procure these buff-type foods in large quantities or had found an awakened one.

‘Lee Kyu-seong.’

And most likely, the person was none other than Lee Kyu-seong standing next to him. Just then, Director Choi felt someone tugging at his pants.

“Would you like to try it?”

Before he knew it, Ara was offering him a strawberry. Director Choi nodded reflexively and accepted the strawberry.

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

“Sure!”

But was it okay to eat it just like that? Since arriving here, he had been overly cautious, making him feel strange. Seeing the people’s expectant gazes, Director Choi examined the strawberry before putting it in his mouth…

[Magical Strawberry LV.1]

[A crop imbued with magic]

[Harmless to humans]

[Upon consumption, grants a minor wound recovery effect]

[Upon consumption, grants a minor fever-reducing effect]

“!!”

Item display! Seeing the reality of the buff-type item he had only heard rumors about, he instinctively paused. Reading the description, he understood why they made potions from strawberries.

‘This would be effective even for non-awakened civilians.’

He had to verify the effect himself. Director Choi closely examined the strawberry and took a bite. Suddenly, there was a strange sigh from the surroundings.

“Aah…”

“That’s not how you eat it…”

“…”

Why were they reacting like that? Was there a special way to consume it? While pondering, the strawberry’s fragrance filled his mouth. The moment he bit down firmly,

[Bang!]

“Hm?!”

A popping sound like fireworks went off. Looking around in surprise, Director Choi soon realized that the noise was an illusion. Actually, he wasn’t looking around; it was a phenomenon created by his own perception.

‘This taste is…’

Director Choi was a workaholic.

For him, surfing was his only hobby, but he couldn’t even enjoy that because of work.

Unlike other awakened ones, he didn’t have a particular obsession with gourmet food.

However, the emotion he was feeling now…

Drip-

“Uh, Director Choi?”

“Ha ha ha! Seeing Director Choi shed tears! What a rare sight!”

A deep sense of emotion washed over him like a tidal wave.

He felt a happiness he had forgotten in his busy life.

A sweet taste, both refreshing and gently enveloping.

Even though Director Choi didn’t usually like sweet things, he felt like he could eat dozens, no, hundreds of these strawberries without getting tired of them.

“Oh!”

The strawberry vanished in an instant.

However, its aroma lingered in his throat, asserting its presence as if to prove it wasn’t a dream.

“Are you okay? There are more here.”

Ara approached, holding strawberries in both hands and tilting her head in curiosity.

She looked concerned as she gazed at Director Choi, who was wiping his tears, trying to comfort him.

“Ah, ah…”

Realizing his embarrassing display, Director Choi discreetly wiped his tears and smiled at Ara.

“Thank you.”

“Yes! Eat a lot! Eating something delicious makes sadness disappear!”

Cheerfully shouting, Ara handed over the strawberries and then ran to Kyu-seong, clinging to him.

“I want to eat too! Delicious things should be shared!”

“Haha. Yes, let’s eat together.”

“Oh, Ara! You’re the best! Hahaha!”

Kang Hanul, who had unexpectedly found himself with a treat, came running with a beaming smile.

Han Seok-jun and Jeong So-yeon also subtly joined in, waiting for Kyu-seong to share the food.

“…”

Director Choi quietly watched the scene, holding the strawberry in his hand.

An inexplicable tickle stirred in his heart.

* * *

“I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes, thank you.”

The meeting with Director Choi from the Terror Guild ended successfully.

We reached a small agreement that, once my potion mass production succeeded, they would supply potions in exchange for an appropriate payment and future cooperation in dungeon subjugation.

We had already received a positive response from the Terror Guild Leader.

“Thanks to you, we’ve formed an alliance with the Terror Guild. Awakened Lee Kyu-seong, you are truly a treasure to our guild.”

“Guild Leader, you mentioned not hiding this information, but you were planning a bigger picture.”

“Kyu-seong’s abilities are outstanding and impossible to conceal. During the contract period, we should benefit as much as possible.”

It felt strange when Han Seok-jun mentioned benefiting.

Considering how much he had already given, it was like being told to buy a cheap bread with a lot of money and keep the change.

‘It’s a win-win situation, but honestly, I’m the one benefiting more.’

Anyway, this deal was mutually beneficial.

According to Director Choi, the Terror Guild would also fund the mass production of strawberry potions, and they would pay generously, so money wouldn’t be a concern anymore.

Although we still needed to see how the mass production would go, if each potion could be sold for 3 million won…

‘That’s 30 million won a day! Of course, a certain percentage would go to the guild!’

Moreover, the cost was almost zero.

All I had to do was plant the seeds, and the slimes did all the growing, so there were no labor costs.

I was jokingly thinking about becoming wealthy when Jeong So-yeon approached me.

“Kyu-seong.”

“Yes! What is it?”

“Mr. Baek Tae-seop contacted our guild recently.”

“Oh! You mean the story about his son, Awakened Baek Seung-hyun, almost fully recovering!”

“Yes. Thanks to you, the Iron Blood representative asks about you almost daily.”

I heard about this as soon as I arrived at the guild today.

Since I rarely went out, I got the news late, but it was really great.

“I should visit him.”

“Right now?”

“Since Mr. Baek is also very busy, it might be better to set a specific date.”

“If Kyu-seong asks to meet, he’ll probably drop everything and come running.”

“Haha, I’d feel too guilty about that.”

“And also…”

Jeong So-yeon hesitated, looking slightly apologetic.

I waited, wondering why, and she finally spoke up.

“You know our orphanage, right?”

“Of course. I haven’t been able to contact them since my last visit.”

“We’re holding a small event at the orphanage this year-end. If it’s okay with you, could you come with Ara? You don’t have to come if you’re too busy.”

“Oh! Can I see Hongjun?”

Ara, who had been clinging to my side, exclaimed with sparkling eyes.

I hadn’t thought about it because I was so busy lately, but the children at Dasom Orphanage must have been Ara’s first human friends.

Suddenly, I felt guilty for being so indifferent.

“I’ll go. When exactly is it?”

“December 23rd, a Saturday.”

“Got it. It’s less than a month away.”

“Sorry for asking on such short notice.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean it that way…”

While speaking, I suddenly thought I should visit since I was already out. Luckily, my bag was filled with various crops and Bokkeum.

‘Would it be rude to drop by unannounced?’

As I furrowed my brows in thought, Jeong So-yeon smiled brightly and said,

“That’s great. Everyone will be happy. I was just about to visit the orphanage, so I’ll give them this news right away.”

“Oh, So-yeon.”

“Yes?”

“Can I come with you?”

“To the orphanage?”

“Yes. Since I’m out, I’d like to say hello, and it’s been a while since Ara has seen her friends…”

“Of course! We’d be delighted!”

Jeong So-yeon shouted, genuinely happy, bouncing with excitement.

She usually seemed so mature, but sometimes she showed glimpses of her age.

Come to think of it, was she the same age as Seon-ah? No, a year older?

She suddenly seemed even younger. Yet, she was the Team Leader of Ara Hongryeon’s Team 1…

“Ahem!”

At that moment, Hanul, who had stayed behind unlike Han Seok-jun, coughed lightly, making his presence known.

“Can I come too?”

“What? Team Leader 2? Why all of a sudden?”

Jeong So-yeon asked with genuine curiosity, her expression innocent.

“I’m a supporter of the orphanage too! It’s not that strange!”

“Well, it’s just that you suddenly want to come along. Do you like Kyu-seong that much?”

Jeong So-yeon suddenly smiled slyly, as if she had an idea.

“Are you aiming for some benefits?”

“Wh-what nonsense!”

Now it was clear that he had his eyes on the crops I had. Anyone would think I was starving him.

‘Besides my family, the person who receives the most crops is…’

He probably had more than enough to eat alone, but seeing him always struggling, it seemed he wasn’t eating alone?

“Let’s go together.”

“Haha! As expected, Kyu-seong! You’re the best! Team Leader 1, you should learn from him!”

“Yes, yes. Please drive, Team Leader 2.”

“Oh! We’re going!”

It was an unexpected schedule, but I wasn’t too busy, so it was fine. If I really looked for things to do, there were plenty, but most of the tasks were handled by the slimes, so it didn’t matter.

When we arrived at the orphanage in Hanul’s car, everyone welcomed us warmly despite the sudden visit.

“It’s been a while.”

“Haha. I’m sorry. I should have kept in touch more often. How have you been?”

As I greeted the director cheerfully, Ara was running around, laughing and chatting excitedly with the children she hadn’t seen in a while.

“You’re coming to the event too?”

“Yes. Is that okay?”

“Of course! We’d be delighted to have you, Kyu-seong.”

As we chatted, I was about to open my bag when Ara suddenly came running up.

“Kyu-seong, Kyu-seong!”

“Hm? What is it?”

“I want to do that too!”

Turning my head, I saw the children gathered and doing something. Dancing? Rhythmic movements?

“Oh, they’re practicing a dance to show at the event. They’re also preparing a choir performance. Some kids don’t like it, but we’re gently encouraging them.”

“Is that part of the event too?”

“It might sound a bit crude, but we need to appeal to our sponsors. We try to showcase the kids’ cuteness as much as possible. Ultimately, we need donations to take care of our kids, don’t we? Government subsidies aren’t enough.”

Nodding unconsciously at the director’s frank words, I realized it was a reasonable concern given the number of children, which seemed to exceed a hundred.

“Thanks to So-yeon, we have more sponsors now, so we can take care of many children. We currently have over 300 kids.”

“300 kids?”

“Exactly 324. Quite a lot, right?”

It was indeed a lot.

It made sense why there were so many teachers. The numbers explained it.

Ara, who had come to my side, ran off again to watch the dancing children. Feeling a bit sorry for her, I hesitantly asked the director,

“I’m thinking of bringing Ara to participate in the event. Do you think she could join the dance?”

“Ara? Of course!”

The director’s enthusiastic response caught me off guard. Is that really okay?

“A cute child like Ara would be perfect! Let her practice right away!”

“Uh, okay…”

The director’s eagerness made me slightly worried.

Ara, you’re confident in your dancing, right?

Prev | TOC | Next